We could all be like RoboCop

If you've seen the movie RoboCop, you may recall the futuristic heads-up display that his helmet uses to provide useful information. It works by gathering information and displaying it on top of live video in real-time. Sounds pretty neat huh? Well this is actually possible today through what is known as augmented reality.

Augmented reality is a real-time view of physical, real-world elements that are enhanced or changed by computer-generated content. Imagine being able to walk down a street and receive real-time information regarding local shops and restaurants, or driving on a highway and being notified of accidents, congestion, or construction. All of this is possible with augmented reality.

I went to the mall last weekend in search of a pair of polarized sunglasses. I went to several of the department stores and rummaged through the displays without ever finding a pair. I then went to the mall directory to locate the sunglass kiosk. After finding the kiosk I browsed their collection (keep in mind that there is absolutely no information regarding any sunglasses except for a small, usually concealed, price tag. I had to talk to the store clerk to gain any information on the various glasses. After over an hour of searching, I had found a pair of polarized sunglasses; only to find they were way out of my price range.

As I was leaving the mall, I was thinking about how my search could have been easier if there had only been an interactive information system available to help me track down those glasses.

Imagine being able to walk into a mall, pull out your smart phone, tap a few buttons, and be directed directly to a merchant that sells exactly what you're looking for. I shouldn't have to find a mall directory; it should be right there on my phone. I shouldn't have to go to several different stores in search of a particular product; an information system should allow me to tell it what I'm looking for, and point out exactly what stores sell it. Once I get to the store, I shouldn't have to browse through the entire inventory, wait on a clerk, or dig through informational pamphlets or catalogs; I should be able to pull out my phone and have all relevant information appear next to each pair of glasses.

Being able to do something like this would have a huge positive impact on the consumer experience. If Circle Centre mall had access to this kind of technology, more people would come to the city to shop. Get to it Indy!